This blog focuses on success stories, ideas, supports, services and many more areas in which we can empower people with different abilities in having equal access to the world. Everyone is welcome to join in this conversation. It includes research, experience and opinion. We need to talk about these areas and continue to look at ways to do things better. We have not been doing any of this long enough to be satisfied with what we have. Complacency is not an option for anyone.

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Study shows voters with disabilities face access barriers

USA Today reported on a study which looked at accessibly issues and barriers for voters who have a disability. This is of serious concern given it is 2012 and The Rehabilitation Act has been in effect for 39 years and the Americans with Disabilities Act for 22 years. Another area of concern is how much time we actually spend educating people with more significant disabilities who may be under some type of guardianship on the voting process, their rights and freedoms and the democratic process overall. As citizens, people with disabilities must have access to full participation in our democratic society. Anything less is inexcusable. We have to work harder at noticing these barriers when we see them and becoming much more proactive. It should not take a Presidential election to address these barriers.

About Me

I am first and foremost a parent of 5 children, two of which have disabilities and continue to learn so much from each of them. I am currently the Director of the Community School & Adult Programs at the South Shore Educational Collaborative. I have many years of experience in the field of education serving infants, children and adults with special needs in public, private and residential settings. I am currently adjunct faculty at Northeastern University, Bridgewater State University, Endicott College and Lesley University.
The picture is of me and my service dog J.R. He was trained and donated by NEADS.org. This is a wonderful organization that trains service animals. He comes to work with me and supports students who have complex disabilities.